Crime & Safety

Home Improvement Scam Artist Fools Silver Spring Residents

Montgomery County Police want victims to call Officer Hedgepeth at 240-773-5500.

A home improvement scam in Silver Spring, Rockville, and Gaithersburg have Montgomery County investigators on alert.

Karl Leroy Davis, 42, from the 1000 block of Woods Place in Alexandria, Virginia, is charged with several crimes, including theft over $1000, failing to perform a contract, operating without a license, and theft scheme over $1000, according to an official release.

A District Court Summons was recently issued for Davis.

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An official release details how Davis would meet each prospective customer, discuss the work plan, enter into a written contract with his victim(s) and obtain a check when the contract was signed. Davis would cash the check and not perform the contracted, promised work and victim(s) attempts to contact Davis went unanswered.
             
Investigators ask that any additional victims who may have been defrauded by Davis to contact their office.

Protect yourself with the following tips:

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  • Request to see a Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC)License.
  • Request to see proof of insurance.
  • Ask for references.
  • Consult the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection at 240-777-3636 or www.montgomerycountymd.gov/consumer.
  • Obtain three (3) estimates from licensed firms.
  • Initially never pay more than 1/3 of stated contractual amount.
  • Have a written contract which specifies materials to be used.
  • Perform a “google” search of the company.

Anyone with knowledge of Karl Leroy Davis engaging in these crimes can contact Officer Hedgepeth or the Montgomery County Police 4th District, at 240-773-5500. Callers may remain anonymous.


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